Getting Things Together

Been wondering where I have been? Thank you. I am well just busy with many exciting projects.

Nubian Dreams
The concept is to bring together mature LGBT people of African descent for a monthly event called the Nubian Dreams Lounge. Initially we are only promoting this evening of networking, entertainment and information in NYC but we hope to roll it out in D.C., Philadelphia and London in the near future. Our launch will be held this Sunday from 5pm-10pm at the beautiful Taj Lounge located at 48 W. 21st Street in Chelsea, NYC. Not only have we put together a stellar evening of entertaiment including 4 of NYC's hottest DJ but also an exceptionally talented host and a special guest comedian. We will also be presenting a video presentation for the upcoming Nubian Dreams Cruise. On top of that we are celebrating the birthday of my Nubian Dreams partner, James Saunders. Now as if that isn't enough we managing and marketing....

Nubian Dreams Cruise
This will be a magical cruise to the San Juan, PR, St. Thomas and Tortola sailing from NYC on Oct. 8, 2008. The event will be held on the Carnival Miracle cruise ship with additional programming for our LGBT "Sun Pass" holders which will include; the HBO film festival, seminars, parties on board, a beach party, a party in San Juan, workshops, a talent show and special guest entertainers. Producing these kinds of events can only be successful with the efforts of so many people. Over the last three months we have utilized the skills of a talented web designer, graphic artist and travel agent. We have been able to secure media sponsorships from stellar magazines including; Go Magazine, Clik Magazine, Next Magazine, Bleu Magazine and BGM News. Home Box Office has agreed to sponsor our film festival. We are expecting other sponsors to participate as well. The difficulty in producing events like this is that since we will not have the entire ship we have to negotiate for meeting rooms, dining seating and agressively secure enough cabins to accommodate the late comers. We encourage people to book early and save money but it doesn't always happen that way. We expect a few hundred Nubians to join us on this adventure but all are welcome even kids. Carnival has a kids and young adult program that will keep them busy all the time. Our travel agent Veronica Jimenez is surprised at how fast our cabins are selling. The price of our cabins are currently less than the list price on Carnival and the price continues to rise. We will have to raise the prices again so we are trying to get the message out for people to reserve their space now for as little as $100.00. We will see.

Real Estate
On the real estate front...despite the news in the papers and on TV about the dire state of real estate in general, in NYC, the well priced homes and apartments are still moving. What I am advising people who are looking to purchase is to get pre-approved by a bank first. When they find that home of their dreams they can be assured that they have the money in place to commit. Sellers should make sure they pick the right broker that is going to be honest with them about the state of the market and the pricing of their home. Too often, my fellow brokers will say anything to get the listing and when it doesn't sell they will try and get the owner to reduce the price. Now is not the time to be playing those types of games. At my company Halstead Property, LLC we have our own resident economist that keeps us updated on current trends. Personally when I price a home in addition to my 15 years of experience in real estate I also use the services of an excellent appraiser August Caponi of Oyster Appraisal Group to verify the best price to market the property. As a good broker I will also have a team of attorney's, architech's, photographers and stagers to help my sellers successfully move to their next home quickly. Our international referral network allows me to assist my customers and clients with their real estate needs anywhere in the world. If you have any real estate questions just reach out to me and I will get you the answers you need.